How Arkansas's Burn Permit System Works
The Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC) maintains a county-based ranger system covering all 75 Arkansas counties. Arkansas is one of the most heavily forested states east of the Rockies — nearly 19 million acres of forestland, including the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests in the western and northern parts of the state. This forest coverage makes wildfire management a consistent priority. The permit system in Arkansas is phone-based and relationship-oriented. County rangers know their territory intimately — they can tell you whether the creek bottoms near your property are currently dry, whether there's been recent rain in your specific area, and what the fire weather forecast looks like for the next 48 hours. This local knowledge makes Arkansas's system one of the more practically useful in the Southeast. The state sits at the intersection of several climate patterns. Winter fronts from the north can produce dramatic drying events even in the humid lowlands. Spring (February–April) is when the state sees the combination of dormant vegetation, low humidity, and strong southwest winds that drive its worst fire years.
Getting Your Arkansas Burn Permit
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Permit Agency | Arkansas Forestry Commission |
| Phone | (501) 296-1940 |
| Online Portal | https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-forestry-commission |
| Cost | Free |
| Valid For | Same day |
Step-by-Step Process
- Call your county Arkansas Forestry Commission ranger station (directory at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-forestry-commission)
- Provide your county, approximate location, and what you're burning
- Ranger advises on current conditions and issues permit if appropriate
- Burn same day only; follow all safety requirements
- Extinguish completely — Arkansas rangers actively investigate escaped fires
Seasonal Rules & Burn Bans in Arkansas
Spring (February–April) and fall (October–November) are Arkansas's peak fire seasons. The AFC deploys maximum resources during these windows. Summer is generally lower-risk but drought years can change this dramatically — in severe drought years, Arkansas has seen wildfire activity in July and August that is normally uncharacteristic. The western mountains (Ouachita, Boston Mountains) present steeper terrain and higher fire spread potential than the Arkansas Delta lowlands. Homeowners in mountainous western Arkansas should take spring fire conditions especially seriously.
What You Can and Cannot Burn in Arkansas
Natural vegetation, yard debris, agricultural residue. Arkansas's poultry and livestock industry creates significant agricultural burning needs — litter disposal and crop residue burning are common. Contact your county AFC ranger for large-scale agricultural operations that may need additional coordination.
- Leaves, yard trimmings, and natural vegetation
- Brush, branches, and untreated natural wood
- Downed trees (not treated, painted, or composite)
- Agricultural crop residue (appropriate permit required)
- Storm debris — natural vegetation only
Penalties for Burning Without a Permit in Arkansas
Burning without a permit is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 under Arkansas law, plus suppression cost liability for escaped fires. The AFC actively investigates wildfires and identifies responsible parties.
Use our free Suppression Cost Calculator to estimate your personal liability if an escaped fire requires wildfire suppression response.
Frequently Asked Questions — Arkansas
Call your county Arkansas Forestry Commission ranger station. They'll confirm conditions and issue a permit number by phone. The full county contact list is at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-forestry-commission. Free, takes under 10 minutes.
The AFC can require permits year-round but is most actively enforcing during spring (Feb–Apr) and fall (Oct–Nov). The permit requirement doesn't go away in summer — contact your county ranger before any outdoor burn.
The AFC will not issue permits during Very High or Extreme fire danger conditions. If conditions are high-risk, your permit will be denied. Never burn during drought without a permit — the risk of fire escape is highest exactly when conditions make obtaining a permit difficult.
Agricultural burning — crop residue, pasture management — still requires AFC coordination. The process is the same (call county ranger) but the context is understood. Larger agricultural operations may benefit from advance coordination with the AFC district forester.
Misdemeanor under Arkansas law with fines up to $1,000, plus personal liability for suppression costs if fire escapes. AFC rangers investigate wildfires and establish origin and responsible party as part of standard procedure.